Prisoner Exchange Moves Forward
Russia and Ukraine carried out a prisoner exchange involving 205 people on Friday. The swap came shortly after heavy fighting and renewed air attacks across Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said most returning Ukrainian soldiers had been held since 2022. Officials described the exchange as the first stage of a wider plan that could eventually involve up to 1,000 prisoners from each side.
The exchange happened during a brief pause in large scale hostilities that ended as new strikes resumed.
Kyiv Apartment Block Strike Kills Civilians
In the capital city Kyiv, rescue teams completed recovery work after a Russian missile strike hit a residential building complex. Authorities confirmed 24 people died in the attack, including three girls.
The strike destroyed 18 apartments and left entire sections of the building in ruins. Emergency workers spent hours searching through debris before ending the operation.
The city observed a day of mourning as families buried victims and identified the dead.
Victims Identified Among Civilians
Several victims were named by local services and media reports. Two employees from the postal service Nova Poshta, both named Dmytro, were killed. One of them died alongside his wife.
A former hockey player, Yuriy Orlov, also died with his 24 year old partner Maryna Homeniuk, who worked as an English teacher.
Svitlana Moskalishyna, a kindergarten teacher, was also confirmed among those killed.
A child named Lyubava Yakovleva was among the youngest victims. Her father had already been killed earlier in the war, adding further tragedy to the family.
Drone Strike Reported Inside Russia
Officials in Russia said drone attacks hit the city of Ryazan, located south east of Moscow. They reported four deaths, including a child, and 28 injured.
Russian authorities said two apartment buildings were damaged by falling debris. Regional officials stated Ukrainian drones had targeted an oil refinery in the area, one of the country largest facilities.
